Carpeting hardwood floors can save them from scratches and other damage. However, carpeting your hardwood floors with rubber backing can also affect the finish of your expensive hardwood floor. Therefore, you must clean your floor occasionally following the carpet removal. However, many people donโt know how to clean the old hardwood floor after removing the carpet.
Stripping off the carpet is the first step in repairing the hardwood floor. After that, you must thoroughly clean your hardwood flooring because it is necessary to eliminate mildew, carpet glue, and pad stains. However, certain types of flooring can only be cleaned using either standard or strong detergents.
Well, thatโs not all. The hardwood floor cleaning after carpet removal includes several details. Therefore, we have a detailed step-by-step guide for homeowners who want to clean their floors or upgrade their carpets.
Cleaning Hardwood Floors Following Carpet Removal:
Although refinishing your wooden floors is not an easy process, with the appropriate guidance, it may be made simpler. Here are some easy-to-follow instructions:
Remove The Carpet:
The initial critical step is to remove the carpet on your hardwood floor cautiously and slowly. It can reveal beautiful flooring that has been covered up for many years, allowing your home to truly shine! Carpeting can trap dirt, dust, and allergens over time, making it an unhealthy choice of flooring. Removing the carpet can also be beneficial for preserving the underlying hardwood floor, as carpets may cause moisture to build up beneath and eventually warp or discolor the wood.
Itโs crucial to keep in mind that taking this step with caution will prevent your flooring from suffering significant damage from being done too quickly or forcefully. If you suffer from severe dust allergies, ensure to do it with safety measures!
Preparing To Clean Old Hardwood Floors
Properly cleaning and sanitizing your hardwood flooring is key to ensuring a germ-free and inviting space. First, youโll want to vacuum the entire surface to suck up any dirt and debris left over from when the carpet was installed. Ensure to take off any glue or staples lying around on the hardwood floor and put them in a garbage bag.
It might require a significant amount of time to clean up the remaining carpet glue and pins. But itโs worth it!
Removing Adhesives
You need to remove any adhesives that are on the surface of the hardwood floor, as these will not only cause damage to the wood but can also interfere with the refinishing process. Be sure to wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a respirator mask while doing this, as many of these products contain harsh chemicals that can be hazardous. Follow any of these methods:
- Start by scraping the adhesive off with a scraper, then use an eco-friendly solvent to loosen and lift the remaining residue. Make sure to follow all safety instructions when using any solvents.
- If there are any areas that have particularly stubborn adhesives, use a heat gun or hair dryer to loosen them up before scraping them off.
- You can also simply clean adhesive from floors using dry ice and peanut butter as cleaning agents. Simply spread a generous amount of peanut butter over any remaining adhesive and wait for five minutes for it to start dissolving the remaining adhesive. After that, you can simply pick up the leftover.
- Another method is to put on safety gloves, then cover the whole surface of the sticky patch with a tin cookie sheet. Place a chunk of dry ice weighing half a pound over it and leave it for at least two minutes. Take away the dry ice, gently remove the residue with water and dish soap, and then dry off any damp spots.
Use An Appropriate Cleaner To Mop The Entire Surface
Be sure to use a cleaner specifically formulated for wood flooring or hardwood floors. This will help ensure that you donโt damage the wood with an overly harsh cleaning solution. After mopping, let the floor dry completely before applying any sealant or refinishing it.
Sanding Wood Flooring:
Once the adhesive and dirt have been completely removed, it is time to sand your wood flooring. Sanding will help bring back its original shine and beauty. Note this is the most labor-intensive step in repairing hardwood floors. The process includes leveling the old finish, removing scratches, and applying a new stain or sealant to protect the wood from wear and tear. Before starting this task, make sure you invest in the right sandpaper and other equipment. Start by sanding along the grain of the wood with fine-grit paper. After that, you can use medium-grit paper to remove scratches and imperfections.
Polish The Floor:
To make your floor gleam with a classy shine, complete the process by utilizing a restorer and high-traffic floor polisher. Start off by applying a polish chemical to the hardwood surface and evenly distribute it with the use of a floor polisher.
For a mirror-like finish, keep polishing until you attain the desired shine. To ensure optimal results, let the floor dry completely for 24 hours before repeating this process twice to revive and clean it. After that, your hard work is paid off when you can see a shining reflection on your now restored floors โ ready for use!
Final Words:
Unlike other forms of flooring, hardwood floors not only increase the value of your property but also bring beauty inside. All thatโs left to accomplish is to maintain the cleanliness of those lovely flooring, avoiding the use of water whenever you can. However, if you must, ensure the mop you use is damp rather than drenched. You finally understand how to clean hardwood floors after taking down the carpet.
Sweep your floors thoroughly each day to prevent any dust, which will reduce the need to clean. A tiny effort every day can help you avoid the need to scrub your floors. You may also want to consider using a hardwood floor sealant or refinishing product annually, depending on the condition of your floors. Besides, a decent vacuum for hardwood floors can also help you clean the floor easily.
